Waterside Upmarket - Image 1
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Waterside Upmarket

4.3
·103 reviews·, United Kingdom

A vibrant riverside market in Stratford-upon-Avon, offering artisan crafts, unique gifts, and diverse street food with live entertainment.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Waterside Upmarket - Image 1

Waterside Upmarket

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant riverside market in Stratford-upon-Avon, offering artisan crafts, unique gifts, and diverse street food with live entertainment.

4.3
(103 reviews)

"Fantastic atmosphere, friendly traders, and a great place to find unique gifts and delicious food."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Market Dates

Markets aren't daily! Confirm dates on social media to avoid disappointment.

💰 Food Prices Can Be High

Enjoy the food, but be aware prices can be steep for small portions.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Food Delights

Street Food Delights

Various food stalls

Indulge in a global culinary journey with samosas, mac and cheese, burgers, doughnuts, and more. A foodie's paradise!

Artisan Crafts & Gifts

Artisan Crafts & Gifts

Craft and gift stalls

Discover unique handcrafted treasures, jewelry, vintage finds, and artwork. Perfect for finding that special something.

Riverside Ambiance

Riverside Ambiance

Along the River Avon

Soak up the vibrant atmosphere by the river, with live music and street performers adding to the charm.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Waterside Upmarket is a vibrant spot, but crowds can swell, especially on weekends and holidays. For a more relaxed experience, aim for weekdays if available, or arrive early on market days to snag the best finds before the rush. Check their social media for specific market dates and times.

Budgeting for Bites

While the market offers a fantastic array of food, some visitors note that prices can be on the higher side, with small portions for the cost.Reddit Consider packing snacks or enjoying a meal at one of the many pubs and restaurants nearby if you're on a tighter budget.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Beat the rush, best selection
Crowd
Medium
When
Bank Holidays
Why
Festive atmosphere, special events
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A fantastic street performer brightening everyone’s day at Stratford-upon-Avon’s Victorian Christmas Market✨ #busker #streetperformer #christmas #stratforduponavon #stratfordchristmasmarket #victorianmarket #christmas2 #fyp #foryou
@visitshakespearesengland
172.8K likes • 2.1M views

🎯 Check Market Dates

Markets aren't daily! Confirm dates on social media to avoid disappointment. TikTokInstagram

💰 Food Prices Can Be High

Enjoy the food, but be aware prices can be steep for small portions. TikTokReddit

#wellsbornmarket #fyp#foryoupage#viral#tiktock#trending#pillowman #stratforduponavon #
@paulfeeney38
5.6K likes • 224.5K views
This is your reminder that Waterside Upmarket returns to Stratford-upon-Avon next week! 🤩 To kick off our 30th year celebration, we’re thrilled to have the amazing Melissa Hollick performing live from 1 PM – don’t miss it! 🎶 Come and explore an array of exceptional products from talented artisans and traders, including: 🎨 Handcrafted treasures 🍔 Mouthwatering street food 🎁 One-of-a-kind gifts 👗 ...
marketsuponavon
45 likes • 2K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Riverside

The market's location by the river offers a lovely atmosphere and views. TikTok

🎶 Live Entertainment

Often features live bands and performers, adding to the vibrant vibe. InstagramReddit

Stratford Upon Avon Waterside Upmarket✌🏻 . . . . . #laurakennedydesign #makersmarket #smallshop #shopsmall #smallbusiness #momsthatmake #momlife #mompreneur #stratforduponavon #stratfordwatersideupmarket #smallshopreel #marketday #watersideupmarket #craftfair #worcestershiresmallbusiness
laurakennedydesign
0 likes • 287 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Market Dates

Markets aren't daily! Confirm dates on social media to avoid disappointment. TikTokInstagram

💰 Food Prices Can Be High

Enjoy the food, but be aware prices can be steep for small portions. TikTokReddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Riverside

The market's location by the river offers a lovely atmosphere and views. TikTok

🎶 Live Entertainment

Often features live bands and performers, adding to the vibrant vibe. InstagramReddit

🛍️ Unique Finds Await

Great for gifts, jewelry, and artisan crafts. Instagram+1

🚗 Parking Considerations

Parking in Stratford can be tricky; consider public transport or walking. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(103 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Waterside Upmarket is a popular riverside market in Stratford-upon-Avon, praised for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse artisan stalls, and tempting street food. Visitors enjoy the live entertainment and the opportunity to find unique gifts. However, some find the food and craft prices to be quite high for the portion sizes.

"This market is in the park- pedestrianised area alongside the river and the theatre. Ideal for people that enjoy walking and wondering around the town.

It's a regular market with lots of stalls selling a range of products (food, drinks, gifts, clothes, art..). At specific times of the year, there's additional products such as gifts for 🎄☃️Christmas.

Don't forget though there's also the 🎄Christmas shop (aprox 10 minute walk) in the main shopping area which is open all year round."

Laura PJ Latham

"Lovely place u so love being there as much as I can .its a good atmosphere. Feeling is very relaxing .yet you if you dare which I have a dance sing .be relaxed.

They have live bands.up near the bridge from jazz to blues.

They may even have hear morris dancer..which Lovely to see.

Hear is very creative pot of excitement
Which so much.."

Char Daley (Char-M)

"Horrendous rip-off food joints, totally overpriced tourist rates and tiny portions. You'll never be able to afford to feed yourself, buy any food here and you'll still be starving afterwards, maybe hungrier than when you joined the queue.

Thankfully the pubs and restaurants around this location are top-notch.

The people running these joints are mostly pretty cool but they're probably paying through the nose to be here.

These to tourist milker market food joints do not represent this country nor any other country they're themed upon."

Daddy Pig

What People Like

Vibrant riverside atmosphere
Unique artisan crafts
Diverse street food options

What People Dislike

Expensive food prices
High cost of crafts

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Waterside Upmarket is located by the river and the theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. You can reach it by walking from the town center. Parking can be challenging, so consider public transport or walking if possible. Reddit

Parking in Stratford-upon-Avon can be limited and expensive. There are several car parks in the town, but it's advisable to check their availability and cost in advance. Reddit

Stratford-upon-Avon is well-served by public transport, including buses and trains. From the station or bus stops, it's a pleasant walk to the market area. Reddit

The market is located in a pedestrianized area alongside the river, which is generally flat and accessible. However, specific stall layouts can vary. Reddit

Waterside Upmarket typically operates on Sundays, with other markets like Rother Street market running on Fridays and Saturdays. Always check their social media for the most up-to-date schedule. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Waterside Upmarket is free! You can wander through the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere without any admission fee. TikTok

Waterside Upmarket is usually open from 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays. However, it's always best to confirm the exact hours on their social media pages, as they can vary. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Waterside Upmarket is primarily a Sunday market. Other markets, like the Rother Street market, operate on Fridays and Saturdays. Special events and seasonal markets, like Christmas markets, also have specific dates. TikTok+1

Absolutely! Christmas markets at Waterside Upmarket offer a festive atmosphere with unique gifts and seasonal treats, making it a magical experience. TikTok+1

While not explicitly stated, markets in public spaces often allow well-behaved dogs on leads. It's advisable to check with the market organizers if you have concerns. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stalls

You'll find a diverse range of stalls including clothing, jewelry, vintage items, handcrafted gifts, art, homeware, and more. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, the market is known for its artisan products and handcrafted treasures, making it an excellent place to find unique gifts. TikTokInstagram

Indeed, vintage finds and items are often available at Waterside Upmarket, appealing to those who love unique and pre-loved treasures. TikTok+1

You can find a variety of jewelry, including gemstone pendants, rings, sterling silver pieces, and river pearl jewelry. Instagram+1

Many visitors report friendly traders who are happy to chat about their products. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The market boasts a wide array of street food, including samosas, mac and cheese, burgers, Yorkshire burritos, doughnuts, cookie pies, and more. TikTokInstagram

Some visitors find the food to be quite expensive with small portions, suggesting it might be a splurge rather than a budget meal option. Reddit

With diverse street food offerings like samosas and various baked goods, it's likely you'll find vegetarian and potentially vegan options, though specific choices may vary. TikTok+1

Yes, you can find a range of drinks, including refreshing beverages and specialty drinks like gin. TikTokInstagram

You can enjoy your food by the riverside, finding a spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant market stalls, the picturesque riverside setting, street performers, and the diverse food offerings. TikTokInstagram

The lively atmosphere with shoppers, traders, and performers makes it ideal for capturing candid moments. TikTokInstagram

Morning light can be lovely for capturing the market setup, while late afternoon might offer softer light and fewer crowds. TikTok

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of individual traders and their privacy. Instagram

Yes, street performers are part of the market's charm. It's polite to ask before taking close-up shots or to offer a small tip. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Waterside Upmarket can be a fun outing for families. The open riverside location provides space for children to move around, and the variety of food stalls offers options that might appeal to younger palates. TikTok The presence of street performers and live music can also add an element of entertainment for kids. TikTok However, keep an eye on food costs if you're feeding a family, as prices can add up quickly. Reddit

Consider visiting on a less crowded weekday morning if possible, or arrive early on weekends to navigate the market more easily with little ones. The market is generally accessible, making it easier to manage strollers. Reddit

👫 Couples & Date Ideas

Waterside Upmarket is frequently cited as a perfect date spot. The relaxed riverside atmosphere, combined with the opportunity to browse unique stalls and enjoy diverse street food, creates a charming and engaging experience. TikTokInstagram You can wander hand-in-hand, discover interesting crafts, and share a meal or a sweet treat. TikTok The live music and entertainment add to the romantic ambiance, making it an ideal setting for a casual and enjoyable date. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers

Stratford-upon-Avon, and by extension Waterside Upmarket, can be a great destination for solo travelers. The market offers a vibrant yet relaxed environment to explore at your own pace. TikTok You can enjoy browsing the stalls, sampling food, and soaking in the atmosphere without feeling out of place. TikTok The riverside location provides a pleasant backdrop for contemplation or people-watching. Reddit While theatre might be limited on Sundays, the market itself offers plenty to see and do. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Waterside Upmarket Experience

Waterside Upmarket is more than just a market; it's a lively hub situated in a prime location along the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon. It's a place where local artisans, food vendors, and craftspeople gather to showcase their wares. The atmosphere is often described as vibrant and relaxing, with the gentle flow of the river providing a scenic backdrop. Visitors can expect a diverse range of products, from handmade jewelry and unique gifts to delicious street food and sweet treats. TikTokInstagram

The market is particularly known for its Sunday operations, drawing crowds eager to explore the stalls and enjoy the riverside ambiance. Live entertainment, such as bands and street performers, frequently adds to the festive mood, making it a delightful spot for a day out. InstagramReddit It's a place that encourages leisurely browsing, discovery, and soaking in the local culture, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. TikTok

While the market offers a fantastic shopping and dining experience, it's worth noting that some visitors find the food prices to be on the higher side. However, the quality of the crafts and the overall atmosphere often outweigh this concern for many. Reddit The market's proximity to other Stratford attractions, like the theatre, also makes it a convenient stop during a day of exploration. Reddit

Culinary Delights at the Market

The food scene at Waterside Upmarket is a major draw, offering a tempting array of street food options. From savory delights like samosas, pakoras, mac and cheese, and Yorkshire burritos to sweet treats such as doughnuts, cookie pies, and brownies, there's something to satisfy every craving. TikTokInstagram Vendors like @samosa.street.uk and @feaststreat are frequently highlighted for their delicious offerings. TikTok

While the variety and taste are generally praised, a recurring theme in reviews is the cost of the food. Some visitors find the prices to be quite high for the portion sizes, leading to a sentiment that it can be an expensive place to eat. Reddit This means that while you can certainly enjoy a fantastic meal, it might be more of a treat or a splurge for those on a tighter budget. Reddit

Despite the cost concerns, the quality and diversity of the food ensure that it remains a popular aspect of the market experience. It's a great place to sample different cuisines and enjoy a casual bite while exploring the stalls and the riverside. TikTok

Shopping for Unique Treasures

Waterside Upmarket is a haven for shoppers looking for unique and handcrafted items. The market features a wide variety of stalls selling everything from artisan jewelry and gemstone pendants to vintage clothing and homeware. Instagram+3 Traders like @lunawolfboutique and @sapphireandwolfcrystals showcase their beautiful creations, offering visitors the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces. Instagram+1

Beyond jewelry and clothing, you can discover handcrafted treasures, artwork, and other artisan products. This makes the market an ideal destination for finding special gifts or souvenirs that stand out from the usual tourist fare. TikTokInstagram The emphasis on small businesses and independent makers means that each item often has a story behind it, adding to its appeal. Instagram+1

While some of the crafts can also be on the pricier side, the quality and uniqueness of the items are frequently highlighted as a major positive. Reddit Browsing the stalls is an experience in itself, offering a chance to interact with the creators and appreciate their skills. Instagram

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